Minister of Health and Wellness Dr Christopher Tufton has disclosed that while Jamaica aggressively sources more novel coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccines, priority has been given to several key groups and individuals across the island.

Tufton, speaking in the House of Representatives on Tuesday (January 12), noted that residents and staff of nursing homes, healthcare workers, the elderly (aged 60 years and older), infirmaries and prisoners will receive the vaccine in the first phase of the Government’s roll-out.

The vaccine will also be available for Members of Parliament (MPs), Senators, Parish Council representatives, as well as enlisted members of the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF); Passport, Immigration & Citizenship Agency (PICA); Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF); Jamaica Fire Brigade; and Department of Correctional Services (DCS).

According to Tufton, Jamaica will receive a shipment of 292,000 vaccines, bought at a negotiated price of US$10.55 per dose, thanks to the Government’s involvement in the COVAX Facility.

“I can announce, that further to my update in November, the Ministry has been advised by the COVAX Facility that the first batch of vaccines that are due in April 2021, has been increased from an original one per cent, to five per cent. This represents a total of approximately 292,000 doses, enough to vaccinate approximately 146,000 Jamaicans,” Dr Tufton informed.

Tufton did not immediately disclose, however, which groups would be given even higher priority for the vaccine, as the first phase takes into consideration some 440,000 people.

In the meantime, the Jamaican Government, through Cabinet, has agreed to begin exploring the island’s access to safe vaccines, outside of the COVAX facility.

Additionally, an agreement was reached to explore bilateral arrangements with countries that have indicated their willingness to partner with Jamaica to ensure the safe vaccination of the population.

Among these countries, Minister Tufton said India, China and Cuba, will be approached to ascertain their level of support and to determine the best arrangement for acquisition and distribution of safe COVID-19 vaccines to Jamaicans.

“It must be understood that the Ministry of Health and Wellness will maintain its very rigorous process of review for all medical supplies that are administered within our jurisdiction,” Dr Tufton said.

“Therefore, the Standards and Regulations Division of the Ministry, in collaboration with the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), will be maintaining the requirements for the emergency use authorisation for these vaccines,” he added.